AURORA

BA Graphic Design Senior Exhibition - 2024
Brand Identity / Fashion Design / Editorial / Exhibition Design

Aurora marked the beginning of my long-term exploration into branding, fashion, and exhibition design through the creation of a conceptual winter apparel label. Inspired by the colors of the aurora borealis and the contrast between the Arctic Circle's long days and long nights, the collection translated natural phenomena into a visual identity expressed through black and white garments accented with vibrant seasonal color.

Presented as a complete brand ecosystem, the project combined upcycled apparel, hand screen-printing, editorial photography, publication design, and exhibition design into a cohesive visual experience. Every element, from the garments and lookbook to the environmental graphics and gallery installation, was designed to communicate a singular brand narrative.

Centered around themes of sustainability, craftsmanship, and seasonal storytelling, Aurora established the creative process and interdisciplinary approach that would continue to evolve throughout my later work.

THE COLLECTION

Developed using exclusively found black and white garments, the collection establishes a minimal foundation that reflects both sustainability and visual restraint. Every graphic was hand screen-printed, and select garments feature individually hand-sewn woven patches, reinforcing the project's emphasis on craftsmanship and materiality. By limiting the garments to a monochromatic palette, the vivid gradients inspired by the aurora borealis become the primary storytelling element, transforming each piece into a wearable interpretation of the Northern Lights while maintaining a cohesive and intentional brand identity.

INDIGENOUS FUR COAT

The Indigenous Arctic Snow Rabbit Fur Coat serves as the centerpiece of Aurora's archival collection. Dating to the early 1900s and manufactured by Jonas Brothers of Alaska in Anchorage–Fairbanks, the garment represents generations of Arctic craftsmanship shaped by environmental necessity. Constructed from natural materials and designed for extreme winter conditions, the coat reflects a resourceful approach to insulation, durability, and longevity that has long defined Indigenous Arctic clothing traditions.

Its most striking hidden detail is a vibrant red quilted interior, designed to reverse outward in emergency situations to increase visibility against snow-covered landscapes. More than a functional survival feature, the reversible lining illustrates how thoughtful design and environmental awareness have historically existed as inseparable elements of Arctic garment making. As Aurora's central archival piece, the coat pays homage to the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and enduring legacy of northern winter apparel.

THE MODELING

Designed as an extension of the brand identity, Aurora's editorial campaign showcases the collection across nine distinct looks featuring three models. Close attention is given to hand screen-printed graphics, hand-sewn details, textured outerwear, and premium winter silhouettes, revealing the craftsmanship behind each garment while communicating the atmosphere of life in the Arctic. Together, the photographs balance product documentation with visual storytelling, creating an editorial experience that reflects Aurora's minimal, contemporary, and seasonally inspired identity.